An Arkansas man was charged with killing his girlfriend and then leaving her wrapped up in a comforter in a vacant driveway in Franklin County. The body was discovered on August 10, 2022 just off Arkansas Highway 186.
Arkansas Man Charged with Killing GF and Leaving Body in a Vacant Driveway – Ends Up Dating Another Woman Resembling Murdered GF
Because of where the body was found, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office handed the case over to the Arkansas State Police. The State Police would make an identification of the body on August 21. Tonia Tram Tran (53) was a resident of Fort Smith who moved from California in June 2022.
Tonia had suffered a number of injuries before being dumped in the driveway. According to the Fort Smith Times Record, Tonia had been beaten, raped, and suffocated by her attacker.
The investigation continued to develop at a rapid pace as clues such as the comforter’s design and her identity led them back to her residence—a duplex in Fort Smith.
At the duplex, investigators found a treasure trove of evidence. Tran’s van appeared to be the vehicle used to either kill her or transport her body but blood was found inside. Also found inside were tracks that point to the 53-year-old’s body being dragged out of the van.
In addition to the van, investigators would not only find a hint to a possible suspect but that suspect had moved on to another relationship.
Not only that but the woman resembled Tonia Tram Tran, lived in the same duplex, was engaged to Tran’s boyfriend, and had known the suspect for just three days.
On August 24, a suspect was charged in connection to her murder: Maurice Anthony Richardson (60). As it would happen, Richardson was already in jail for theft-related charges and it has been reported that the charges are related to Tonia’s death.
It should also be noted that Richardson has previous convictions for firearms possession as a felon and promoting prostitution.
Richardson remains in custody with his bond set at $500,000.
CHECK IT OUT: To get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
